Moor

The surname Moor has its origins in medieval England, deriving from the Old English word "mor", meaning a marsh or moorland. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers hailed from a place known as Moor or lived near a moorland.

The Moor surname is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations found in regions characterised by moorlands and marshes, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the West Country. The name may have also been given to individuals who worked or resided in these environments.

Variants of the Moor surname include Moore, More, and Mower, reflecting different phonetic spellings over time. The name has also been borne by notable individuals in British history, including Sir John Moore (1761-1809), a British general famous for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars.

Today, the surname Moor continues to be found in various parts of the UK and across the globe, owing to migration and diaspora. Its historical connection to the natural landscapes of Britain lends it a sense of traditional British identity.

There are approximately 2,076 people named Moor in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,081st most common surname in Britain. Around 32 in a million people in Britain are named Moor.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Carol
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Joan
  • Margaret
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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